Wales Holiday - Visiting a Land of History

By Jim T Thomas

If you are staying in a guest house in Wales there are many attractions and historical places you should make a point of visiting. Harlech Castle is one such place. The castle sits on a hill and gazes out across land and sea to give you a stunning view. This breathtakingly classic castle will take you right back to the time of King Edward 1st and his rule in the 13th century.

Beumaris Castle is another great place to visit. This castle is an unfinished masterpiece as money and supplies ran out during construction. Regardless, it is an amazing spectacle and some consider it the best of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales. The Aberdulais Falls is a beautiful, picturesque gorge at the bottom of the Dulais River near Neath. It played an important role in the early industrialisation of the Welsh valleys and is one of the oldest industrial sites in Britain. Rug Chapel is another excellent place worth visiting if you are staying at a guest house in Wales. It is a lovely little religious site that is a rare example of a hardly altered private chapel from the 17th century. It is filled with amazing carvings and elaborate roof decorations.

Llangar Church is worth visiting as it is a perfect example of a rustic parish church, with 15th century wall paintings, 17th century figure of death, old beams, box pews and a pulpit and minstrels gallery. Valle Crucis Abbey is an array of fascinating ruins located in the green fields beneath Llangollen's steep-sided mountains. The Abbey has fared well over the centuries and many of the original features remain. Criccieth Castle is another castle worth visiting with an intriguing history. Built by the Welsh it was then captured by the English and then gained back by the Welsh again. It suffered fire from the Welsh leader Owain Gly Dwr in 1404 but still remains standing today.

If you want to experience some Welsh history visit Anglesey as it has a wealth of historic monuments and sites. It includes standing stones, an array of burial chambers, hillforts and fortlets. The Roman Fortress Baths in Caerleon were built around AD 85 and this is one of the most complete remains of any baths in Britain. This site includes fortress baths, an amphitheatre, barracks and a fortress. Castell Coch is a late nineteenth century castle that is lavishly decorated and furnished in the Victorian Gothic style and is reminiscent of the Middle Ages.

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A Must-Visit Castle and Restaurant in Brixham

By Mary Godago

During your Brixham holidays, you can visit a number of historical sites, which will teach you about the rich historical background of Brixham. These ancient sites include castles, forts, mansions, manors, gardens, estates, and even some beaches. You can also eat at some fantastic restaurants if you don't feel like cooking during your Brixham holidays. The Brixham holiday cottages are superb forms of accommodation for small as well as large families or groups of friends. The Brixham holiday cottages offer self-catering facilities, modern amenities, and ample parking space. You can also request to stay at a pet-friendly Brixham holiday cottages if you are travelling with your pet to Brixham. Here is one must-visit castle and restaurant during your holidays in Brixham.

Berry Pomeroy Castle

One of the castles you can visit during your holidays in Brixham is the Berry Pomeroy Castle. The castle is located near Totnes which is about a 20-minute drive from Brixham. The castle has been through extensive excavation between 1980 and 1996 and there have been several items that have been recovered. When you visit the castle you will be able to see the wall painting of the 3 kings in the gatehouse chamber. The Tudor mansion, 15th century gatehouse, curtain walls and rampart are what you will be able to see when you visit this castle. Legend has it that the White Lady haunts the dungeons and towers. The dungeons were the place where Margaret Pomeroy was kept prisoner by her cousin Eleanor Pomeroy where she eventually died. The castle is located in Devon County and is easily accessible from any of the spacious Brixham holiday cottages. The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. (from April to October) and closes at 5 p.m. The Berry Pomeroy Castle is part of the English Heritage. There is a small admission fee that is charged for visitors. Adults will have to pay £3.60 and children £ 1.80. Your holiday in Brixham will not be complete without a visit to this historic castle.

The Quayside Restaurant

If you don't feel like stepping into your self-catering kitchen, visit the famous Quayside Restaurant for a fantastic meal. This restaurant is also just a short drive away from the luxurious and spacious Brixham holiday cottages. The Quayside Restaurant is an AA Rosette rated restaurant and has received this award many a time. You can expect all of the meals cooked using the freshest and finest ingredients, as well as fresh seafood, meats and vegetables. The dishes are also cooked to cater to the tastes of the customers. You are sure to love the atmosphere at the Quayside Restaurant too. It is very warm, relaxed and friendly. The staffs at this restaurant are very knowledgeable, friendly and courteous. You can also pack a parcel to take home and eat in the comfort of the luxurious Brixham holiday cottages. Try and visit this popular restaurant at least once if not more during your Brixham holidays.

Visit Blue Chip Holidays for more information on holiday cottages

Rent a Castle for a Unique Holiday in Perth

By Dipika Patel

Choosing to rent a castle in Scotland can provide you with the perfect luxury base from which to explore a little more of this historic country - and there is no better place to start than Perth.

If you are a history enthusiast then you will find so much to see and do here, including exploring one of the many castles to see how your own accommodation fares against it.

One of the most famous is Scone Palace. Once the place where the King of Scotland - including Bonnie Prince Charlie and Robert the Bruce - was crowned, today you can find out more about its past while browsing a host of interesting artefacts.

If this has sparked your interest then next on the agenda should be a trip to the centre of town, where you will find St John's Kirk. This is the oldest building in the market town and dates back to 1159, making it significantly older than the nearby St Ninian's Cathedral.

Elcho Castle or Huntingtower Castle are nearby heritage centres you may wish to check out, while art enthusiasts can see a collection of paintings by the celebrated colourist John Duncan Fergusson at the Fergusson Gallery, or head to Perth Museum and Art Gallery for a more varied affair.

Meanwhile, shopaholics will not be disappointed - many of the streets are lined with boutiques and stores where you can get stuck into a spot of retail therapy, before relaxing with a coffee at the cafe corner of St John's Place.

And if you are looking to sample some traditional Scottish fare during your stay, you're in luck. The sights and sounds of the weekend Perth Farmers Market are likely to whet your appetite and in the evening you can choose from a range of modern bistros or luxury restaurants, before relaxing with a moonlit walk down the banks of the River Tay.

One of the best things about choosing Perth when you rent castles in Scotland is that you are also ideally situated to enjoy the beautiful surrounding countryside, or play a few rounds of golf.

When your holiday does draw to an end, do not be surprised if you soon find yourself planning your next castle break.

Scotts Castle Holidays specialises in large properties, mansions and castles for rent in Scotland. If you want to rent a castle, then we can find the best castles in Scotland for you that will perfectly suit your holiday.

Castles in Cornwall

By Thomas G. Craven

There are quite a lot of castles within the boundaries of what is modern-day Cornwall. Much of the reason for this is geography - Cornwall has a lot of coastline (just short of 300 miles) and this means potential avenues of attach from the sea. This meant a lot of coastal defences have been put in place over the years. The south coast of Cornwall faces the English Channel and attacks from Europe; the north coast faces the Atlantic and invasions across the Irish Sea.

Not all of the castles in Cornwall are coastal however, there are a few (generally older castles) that are built to protect different aspects. These include Norman installations to protect river crossings and Iron Age hill forts to protect the population and act as a defensive refuge, which are generally found on hill top locations.

Because the wealth of Cornwall has never really been in agricultural land, there are not as many Norman castles as some other areas of the country because that was the primary driver for installing these defences.

St Mawes Castle
St Mawes sits on the north east side of the Carrick Roads, partnering Pendennis castle on the opposite side. It is a clover leaf shape and was built by Henry VIII as part of the coastal defences aimed at preventing attack from France and Spain.

Carn Brea Castle
Carn Brea was built in the 14th century, although the hill top site near Redruth has been occupied since about 3700BC. The current building is a stone twin towered fortress, probably originally a chapel or hunting lodge. It has been altered and extended over the intervening years.

St Michael's Mount
Located in Mount's Bay and owned by the National Trust, St Michael's Mount is probably Cornwall's best known landmark. The castle sits atop a small island that is accessible by causeway at low tide. Originally a religious site it was held defensively several times before becoming a true castle when Henry VIII seized it as a result of the dissolution of the monasteries.

Tintagel Castle
The castle at Tintagel is probably best known for its link with the Arthurian legend as the birthplace of King Arthur. However, the current castle at the site near Camelford is the remains of a fortress built by the Earls of Cornwall, started by Reginald in 1145 and expanded in the 13th century.

Launceston Castle
The castle is located to protect the Tamar River crossing, and there has been defensive structures here since medieval times. The stonework you see today is mostly 13th century, built by Richard, Earl of Cornwall (who was also responsible for the expansion of Tintagel).

Pendennis Castle
Situated on Pendennis Point, this castle guards the Falmouth bank of the Carrick Roads and the entrance into Falmouth Harbour. As with St Mawes it was constructed around 1540-45 by Henry VIII as part of a chain of defences along the south coast of England.

Restormel Castle
Situated near St Austell, Restormel Castle was originally a Normal fortification, and it's beautiful round shape is a reflection of that, although the current stone walls were again a later addition of the 13th century.

St Catherine's Castle
Located at Fowey, St Catherine's was built to defend the harbour and was a part of the south coast castle chain commissioned by Henry VIII. It's a small artillery fort, now in ruins, and is located on the tip of a rock headland.

Chun Castle
An Iron Age hill fort originally created between 3000 and 2000 BC, it is notable because it is made of two concentric rings of the native granite rock. The occupation of this site near Penzance in west Cornwall, goes from this period through the Roman occupation of Britain into the Dark Ages.

This is not an exhaustive list of the castles of Cornwall, more minor or iron age remains can be seen at Bossiney Castle, Bottreaux Castle, Caerhays Castle, Cradinham Castle, Castle Dore, and the castles of Helston, Maen, Pengersick and Tremanton.

Thomas Craven is a freelance writer in the travel sector. He is currently writing for hotels in Cornwall on a range of Cornish subjects.

Oakham and Horshoes

By Simon Haughtone

Oakham resides to the west of one of the largest man-made European lakes, Rutland Water. The town is on an incline and is in the Vale of Catnose. Oakham is part of Rutland. Oakham is the headquarters of the unitary Rutland County Council District Council.

The main tourist attractions are Oakham Castle and All Saints Church. It is possible to see the spire of All Saints Church from several miles away. The tower was built in the decorated gothic style in the 14th century. The majority of the rest of the exterior was designed in the perpendicular gothic style. The oldest part of the church is the south doorway which

dates bake to the early 13th century. The columns inside are beautifully decorated with animals, figures, birds, foliage and various scenes from the Bible.

The only part of Oakham castle that is still standing is the great hall. Surrounding the great hall is the inner bailey used for defense. The hall was constructed between 1180 and 1190. Much of the architecture is Romanesque. The hall was used as the Assize court until 1970. It is licensed for weddings and is occasionally used as the Crown court and Coroner's court. The outer bailey, currently called Cutts Close is a park with bandstand.

It was tradition when royalty passed through Oakham to leave a horseshoe as a forfeit. Royalty left horseshoes in Oakham for over 500 years. Today when royalty visits they present a commemorative horseshoe, over 200 hang n the wall in the great hall. The oldest horseshoe on the wall is from King Edward IV in 1470. The horseshoes are hung upside down to stop the Devil from sitting in the hollow.

Oakham is easily accessible as it has a railway station that has trains traveling to Birmingham, Leicester, Peterborough and Stansted Airport. It is also possible to reach Stamford, Corby, Uppingham, Melton Mowbray, Nottingham and Leicester by motorway.

Look for hotels in Oakham.

Ghosts of Chillingham Castle

By Jackie Reynolds

Chillingham Castle, Northumberland, UK is said to be the most haunted castle in the UK and not surprisingly since the castle houses dark dungeons and macabre torture chambers. This ancient fortress dates back to 1246, when the Earl Grey lords built this remarkable building and where the Earl Grey ancestors have resided for centuries.

The castle is presently the home of Sir Humphry Wakefield Bt., his wife The Hon. Lady Wakefield and their family. The family claim it is the most haunted castle because of the many ghosts which frequently haunt their home.

The most notable ghostly apparition is the 'blue boy' (or 'radiant boy') who is said to haunt the castle's Pink Room. Many guests, whilst occupying the room, have heard terrifying wailing sounds soon to be followed by a halo of blue light appearing above their bed.

Although that particular haunting ended when a gruesome discovery during renovation work revealed the bones of a young boy and a man who had been bricked inside a wall. It was intended that no one should ever hear their piteous cries for help, as the wall was built 10 feet thick.

This was not the end to the hauntings in Chillingham Castle. The owners have also witnessed a much more sinister energy which wanders the halls...the terryfying spectre of the once evil torturer - John Sage.

JOHN SAGE - A GHOST OF EVIL PAST

When nightime falls around Chillingham Castle, one of the most feared sounds to be heard on occasions is that of 'something' slowly dragging its foot as it wanders the corridors. It is believed to be the spirit of former Lieutenant, John Sage who earned the nickname 'dragfoot', when in life, his leg was injured by a spear during his final battle in the ongoing wars with his Scottish neighbours.

After his injury he was desperate for a position of work and was proud to be given the title of Chillingham Castle torturer by the castle owner Edward Longshanks (1200 AD). Sage was a monster of a man and his gruesome work would give him immense satisfaction for the next 3 years, where he would go on to torture at least 50 of his Scottish enemies per week.

Sage would revel as the Scots were captured and tossed into the castle's dungeons. These poor souls would wish they had perished on the battlefield, as Sage was renowned for carrying out the most hideous tortures in history. One torture device came to be known as one of the most feared...'the cage'. This apparatus would trap its victim and then be placed over a blazing fire - roasting the captive for hours, whilst Sage sat studying his enemy - writhing and screaming for their death.

Sage's insatiable thirst for torture would eventually lead to his downfall, when one day his lover Elizabeth Charlton paid him a visit. During their sexual liaison, Sage decided to place Elizabeth on one of his other torture devices - 'the rack'. Sage then began strangling her during the height of her sexual pleasure, but he went too far and accidentally killed her.

Elizabeth's father (a Border Reiver, clan leader and outlaw), upon hearing of his daughter's death, warned the now almost penniless Longshanks, if he did not have Sage killed he would join in an allied attack with the Scots against the Castle.

Longshanks' dwindling resources due to the war and the fact that the Border Reiver's were a powerful force gave him little choice but to put Sage to death. He was hanged on the grounds of the castle on 'Devil's Mile' (aka, Devil's Walk) before a crowd of jeering onlookers.

As Sage's body still twitched with life, the crowd set about him - slicing pieces from his body, including his nose, toes, and testicles. A rather 'cutting' fate, some may say, for one who's greatest rapture was the sight of an ungodly end.

http://www.worldmysteriesandtrueghosttales.com

Brodick Castle - A Place to Explore During a Scotland Holiday Stay

By Dipika Patel

If you are planning a getaway to the Isle of Arran in Scotland, you won't want to miss a trip to historic Brodick Castle. Dating back to the late 16th century, this red sandstone structure is currently owned by the National Trust for Scotland and has been the site of a stronghold in this area since the fifth century AD.

Located at the foot of Goatfell Mountain, Brodick Castle is open to the public on select days from April until October. Inside, you'll find a collection of artwork formerly owned by 18th century author William Beckford, as well as numerous paintings, porcelain and furniture owned by the castle's previous residents. You can also pay a visit to the picturesque surrounding gardens, which are open year-round from 09:30 GMT to sunset, as well as the castle's unique walled garden, the Bavarian Summer House - which dates back to 1845 - and the ice house, where ice would be packed underground during the winter months to be used in the summertime.

During your stay in Scottish holiday homes, you'll want to take some time to explore the Isle of Arran. The island has something to offer everyone, whether you're keen to hike the diverse landscape, cycle the coastline, play a round of golf, explore its centuries-old history or simply relax with friends over a delicious meal in one of the many fine local establishments.

Despite its small size - measuring ten miles by 19 miles - the Isle of Arran boasts a unique terrain, including stunning coastline, a mountainous interior and lush green forests and rolling hills. Situated in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre, it is one of Scotland's most southerly islands and is the perfect place to take a weekend break. You may want to pay a visit to one of the island's pretty coastal towns or get back to nature in its remarkable terrain - the choice is yours!

However you plan to spend your time on the Isle of Arran, you're sure to have an enjoyable and relaxing getaway when you stay in holiday homes in Scotland.

If you are looking to rent holiday homes in Scotland, Scotts Castles can help. We specialise in helping you find large holiday homes in Scotland.

Visit Regal Windsor Castle on Your Thames Boating Holiday

By Dipika Patel

If you'd like to journey to a historical location as part of your UK boating holiday, you're sure not to be disappointed with a Thames boating holiday incorporating a trip to Windsor Castle.

The world's biggest and oldest castle to still be inhabited, the structure is one of the Queen's official residences and has been standing for almost 1,000 years. You can reach the fortress on a boating holiday in the area and experience the grandeur of the castle with your own eyes. Look out for the flying flag - if you spot it, it indicates that the Queen is in residence.

Travel to Boveney Lock on the River Thames for a central location from which you can easily call in at other places of interest on your way to the castle, such as Royal Windsor Racecourse and Eton - home to the renowned public school. The lock was rebuilt in 1898 closer to the Buckinghamshire bank. Why not moor your boat for a while and go for a walk through the sprawling land of Dorney or take in the lake behind the bank? You might prefer to moor up at Windsor Marina and explore the yacht club's facilities while the experienced harbourmaster keeps an eye on your vessel.

Next, take a leisurely stroll through Hythe Marina Village and stock up on supplies for your England boating holiday - and if you're looking for some entertainment, you might consider heading to the riverboat-accessible racecourse to take in some spectator sport. The track holds flat horse-racing 26 times a year from April to October and also puts on a variety of theme nights, so why not make an evening of it at one of only two courses in the UK to be shaped like a figure of eight?

After an evening of fun and frolics, why not discover more of the local area? Moor your boat further down the river to take a look around Eton, on the opposite bank of the river and connected via the Windsor Bridge. The village was once part of Buckinghamshire but was transferred to Berkshire in 1974.

As you travel down the waterway, marvel at the authentic examples of Georgian and Victorian architecture that help give Windsor its historical appearance. If you explore the town, you'll find it is split into two sections. The Old Town is hundreds of years older than the New Town and is where you'll find the Great Park - a 5,000-acre expanse that was formerly the private hunting ground of Windsor Castle and is home to many deer.

There's so much to explore on a boating holiday to the region, but you're sure not to want to miss the area's most famous attraction - the castle. If you opt for a walking or bus tour of the royal borough you're sure to see the monument. But if you'd like to venture inside, a Blue Badge tour could be the best option, as your guide will accompany you throughout and provide plenty of background information.

You'll receive an audio guide if you choose to explore the fortress, although you might like to pre-book to see parts of the castle that are not usually open to the public, such as the Great Kitchen and medieval Undercroft.

On a guided walk around the castle, you'll be shown exquisitely furnished rooms such as the State Apartments, which house art works by masters including Rembrandt, Rubens, Canaletto and Gainsborough. Although more than 100 of the castle's rooms were destroyed by fire in 1992, they were later restored in 1997. Poke your head around the entrance to St George's Chapel - an excellent example of Gothic architecture - and call in at George IV's private apartments (the Semi-State Rooms) if your visit takes place between October and March. And don't miss the chance to see the most famous dolls' house in the world while you're there - Queen Mary's Dolls' House.

Another point of interest - especially for fans of photography or antique relics - is the Drawings Gallery, which regularly displays material from the Royal Library. Among the exhibitions shown in the gallery was the work of Marcus Adams, a royal photographer who photographed four generations of the royal family between 1926 and 1956.

If your visit takes place during summer, why not take a walk around the grounds? A number of bands take to the gardens in the warmer months, providing the perfect musical accompaniment for leisurely afternoon strolls.

With so much to see in Windsor, make it the location of your next boating holiday and mess about on the River Thames.

A Thames boating holiday could be a great way of exploring Windsor and its surroundings. And with boating holidays widely available you're sure to find something to cater for your needs. Check out Le Boat for a wide selection of UK boating breaks and a range of England boating holiday options.

Top 10 Reasons to Visit the Cotswolds

By Andy Williams

The great thing about the Cotswolds is the variety of activities on offer. Whether you're visiting as a group of friends, young family, or a retired couple, there is something for pretty well anyone. And many of the activities are free! No-one charges you to wander across some of the best countryside in England or take your mountain bike for a trip round the Gloucestershire country lanes. I've lived in the area for all of my life and I hope that this top ten gives you some inspiration to come and visit the area and enjoy everything that's on offer.

Westonbirt Arboretum. One of the most popular paid for attractions in the Cotswolds is the National Arboretum in Westonbirt. Lying a few miles SW of Tetbury its home to a fantastic range of trees and shrubs landscaped in 600 acres with 17 miles of footpaths - walk them all and you'll deserve a meal out at one of the typical Cotswold pubs in the area.

Sudeley Castle. Dating back over many centuries, with royal connections and based just outside Winchcombe (which itself was once the chief city of Mercia), Sudeley also has an extensive range of gardens, so a great day out whatever the weather.

Walking. Where do you start? There are so many walks across the Cotswolds, from the ever present Cotswold Way to the challenges around the River Wye there is something for everyone, and many of the published walks give details of pubs and tea shops to take in on along the way!

Mountain Biking. Again, there are many choices across the area, some of my favourites have been in the North Cotswolds riding across some of the higher ground around Blockley or Beckford - it can be hard work to climb to the top of the escarpments but the views are worth it.

Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. This is being developed along the old route from Cheltenham to Stratford-On-Avon. It currently runs for about 10 miles from Cheltenham to Toddington a few miles north of Winchcombe. There are a range of steam and diesel engines in operation, and if you're keen you can even have the chance to drive one of them. Be sure to watch out for specific events throughout the year including their Santa Special, Paddington Bear event and their dining trains.

Historic Manor Garden. This is the sort of garden that you can enjoy if you aren't a gardener. With fantastic borders and a series of outdoor 'rooms' each with their own particular feel, even those of us without green fingers can enjoy a few hours here.

Shakespeare's Stratford. Many people base themselves in the North Cotswolds so that they are close to Stratford and all that it offers, whether it is a tour of the houses associated with the famous bard or the opportunity to see one of his plays if Shakespeare's your thing there is enough to keep you interested for many days in Stratford.

Cotswold Wildlife Park. For those of you with children one of the most popular animal attractions is the Cotswold Wildlife Park situated outside Burford. It is home to many wild animals many of which are not behind bars (although the lions thankfully are enclosed). There is also a good play area for the children to work off excess energy if there's any left after walking round the animals.

Authentic pub with a real log fire. No trip to the Cotswolds would be complete without a trip (or two or three) to one of the many authentic pubs in the area. Many offer a variety of real ales and in the winter months open log fires. Some offer a choice of meals in the bar or a more formal affair served in the dining room and if you're eating during the day, don't forget to find a garden and a good view.

Bourton-On-The-Water. This is one of the most visited and well loved villages in the Cotswolds especially with young families. The river runs though the centre and ducks swim along its route. For the youngsters there's the Model Railway, Model Village, Dragonfly Maze, Birdland, and the Cotswold Motor Museum. With the perfume exhibition, tea shops and local pubs there is plenty to keep everyone happily occupied for many hours.

And Finally... don't forget that for some things you need to be here at the right time, for example, The Rococo Gardens in snowdrop season, the National Hunt Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse (March), Badminton Horse Trials (May), Cheese Rolling at Coopers Hill (Spring Bank Holiday), Kemble Air show (June), Fairford Royal International Air Tattoo (July), Cheltenham Festival of Literature (October) and the Enchanted Christmas at Westonbirt Arboretum (November / December).

Anna Phillips represents Jigsaw Holidays, specialists in supplying Cotswold Cottages and character properties as part of your Cotswold Holiday.